First observance of 988 Day for suicide prevention comes this Sunday, Sept. 8

The lifeline crisis phone number 988 for suicide prevention is being highlighted this coming Sunday, Sept. 8 (9/8/2024) in faith communities across the U.S., including the United Church of Christ. 988 Day is a national initiative dedicated to raising awareness about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and emphasizing the importance of mental health and suicide prevention. The theme is “No Judgment. Just Help.”

In times of crisis and distress, studies reveal that people often seek help from their faith communities and faith leaders who can offer hope, guidance, emotional well-being, social connection, affirmation, and resources during challenging periods. Reverend Dr. Sarah Lund, Minister for Disabilities and Mental Health Justice at the UCC participated in a webinar recently hosted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMSA), which showcased innovative suicide prevention and behavioral health work.

Lund said, “As the United Church of Christ, in honor of our WISE (Welcoming, Inclusive, Supportive, and Engaged) for mental health covenant, we can join the national suicide prevention movement by participating in the 988 Faith in Action weekend. How joyful would it be if every congregation lifted up and shared the 988 text and phone resource to help share hope to people who are hurting? Worship leaders can offer a moment of silence for suicide loss survivors and then share the 988 number with the congregation. Preachers can preach about mental health and point people toward help through 988.”

The hashtag #988day will be used to highlight the day on social media. Lund went on to share, “Social media, worship bulletins and church bulletin boards can also share the 988 resource, encouraging people to text or call for themselves or to help someone else. Mental health justice means making support accessible, and 988 is an important part of our faithful and loving response to people in need of compassion, care, and hope.”

Simply by calling or texting 988, or chatting on 988lifeline.org will connect a person in crisis to compassionate care and support for any mental health or substance abuse related distress. SAMSA says about 98 percent of people who call, chat, or text the 988 Lifeline get the crisis support they need and do not require additional services in that moment.

There are a variety of national resources available to faith leaders for preventing suicide, including the Hope Guide for Preventing Youth Suicide.

You can view the SAMSA webinar HERE.

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